Gifted Magazine 3-28-2022

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Gifted Magazine

March 2021

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Gifted Magazine

March 2022

EDITOR’S LETTER Dear Reader, Welcome to Gifted Magazine, It’s an honor to welcome you to the Gifted Magazine family. You will not be disappointed! This issue graces the Gifted7, which is a combination of Kingdom excellence from around the globe. Entrepreneurs, Authors, Pastors, Speakers, Designers, and Educators utilizing their gifts and talents in the marketplace to inspire excellence!

Our core mission will always be the same: to inspire purpose, introduce excellence and speak life to a global audience. By recognizing leaders worldwide for their contribution to their communities.

We thank you for being loyal readers, and are so thankful you are here reading today.

Gifted is a faith-based, Christian magazine, run by believ-

As a publication, we do not advocate for any specific

ers. We offer both digital and print magazine issues. We are

political ideology, but we have set standards regarding the

inspired by the voices of our readers, more specifically, of

posting of harmful and denigrating pieces. We see our plat-

the multitude of voices that are contained by mainstream

form as a ministry and thus view that it is our responsibility

media. Have a testimony to share? Gifted is for you! Have

to highlight the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with the use of our

a thought on a current issue? Gifted! Interesting faith jour-

platform. Our intention is to host a platform for believers

ney? Gifted! Whatever Gift it may be, we hope you climb

to share their life experiences, faith stories, and creative

your creative (or life-changing) faith mountain with us.

works. That is why we exist.

Use our digital platform to read articles from our wide

I am elated to be furthering the mission of Gifted Magazine

range of contributors and check out our “Gifted Commu-

and to hear your stories.

nities,” a regular column pointing you to interesting reads across the globe. Our magazine will continue to feature all

SHANIE SALMON-GODFREY,

three sections you have gotten used to in the past years

Editor in Chief

(commentary, faith, and arts & culture) and hope to allow submissions in other languages as well.

Instagram #ShanieSalmon LETTERS+COMMENTS Editor@gifted-magazine.com Subscription Help Giftedmagazine.com/MyAccount or email us at custserv@gifted-magazine.com or call 888-960-5441

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COVER STORY

C O NT E N T S

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Apostle Demontae Edmonds

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Lady Jessica Edmonds

GIFTED 7 INTERVIEWS

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Angela Taylor-Fisher

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Kerland Toussaint

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Celena Thomas

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Natasha Bibbins

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Corinne Brown

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Ronisha Williams

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Dr. Gillian Curry Williams

Gifted Magazine

March 2022

GIFTED ACROSS GENERATION Shervonne Grose, Mft

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Davina Stallworth, Creative

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How To Make Sure Your Lifestyle Ministers

ARTICLES

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Message of Encouragement

42 55 59

Jacqualine Hope Dodson Stephany Janae’ Smith B.A.S.I.C. Enterprises Angella Wynn

C O NT E N T S

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Gifted Magazine

March 2022

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COVER STORY

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH

APOSTLE DEMONTAE EDMONDS Tell me about yourself

Tell us about your book

I am Demontae Edwards. I am a

Okay. The first one is GRAB HOLD

minister, Author, TV Show Host,

OF YOUR MIRACLE. That book

Father of 4 and I’ve been married

is a very practical book on how to

for 11 happy years.

do biblical, yet practical things to get breakthroughs in all areas of

How did you identify your

life – finances, family, healing, and

purpose?

other areas, the keys and steps can be used.

I was not pursuing purpose but rather pursuing God and a relationship with Him. Spending time with God and He showed me things – the future and all I am doing now. All of these came from a relationship with God. Is a relationship with God the key to finding purpose?

Yes, Purpose is hidden in Him. The book of Colossians says our life is hidden in Him, when He appears, our lives will appear with Him, Purpose is in Him – seek Him out.

What keeps you in the will of God? I know how it feels to be out of God’s will and I do not like that feeling. In God’s will you feel peace and joy, outside of His will you feel anxiety and frustration. So, I stay Gifted Magazine

The second is DISCERNING in God’s will so I do not get to the point I start to feel those ways.

What challenges have you experienced throughout ministry?

One major challenge is the need for more resources and finances.

A new vision calls for a new provision. Even if you have a billion dollars, God will give you a vision greater than that so you can stretch your faith even further.

Secondly, the display of different personalities can be a challenge.

Jesus dealt with those people and even had to deal with a betrayer – Judas Iscariot. Those we thought were committed and faithful but become betrayers. So, personality and provision are the biggest challenges I have faced.

OF SPIRITS. Some people are prophetic, people with discernment, and people who deal with spiritual warfare, this book talks about discerning spirits.

The next one is HOW TO WIN IN LIFE AND NEVER LOSE is a devotional I wrote for business people, not necessarily Christians but business people and entrepreneurs. Something they can grab to get inspired and I also dropped some Christian nuggets in there.

The next book I wrote was THE SUPERNATURAL GIFT OF FAITH, which is based on when the Lord visited me and took me to heaven, talked to me about the coming move of God, and the gift of faith (1 Cor. 12).

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Also, I have another book called

show?

ELEVATE – LEADERS ELEVATING

consultancy. It started when different business owners contact

LEADERS and I am a contributing

Once every week. Every Tuesday

me to talk with them, pray with

author. I am currently on a book

by 10:30 AM (EST) on Channel 57.

them or give them a piece of

project to be out soon.

How can we find these books?

advice on certain issues. I just said How do you balance faith and

to myself, wow this is consultancy

entrepreneurship?

here. I did not charge, people just gave gifts of appreciation.

Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Lulu,

It takes a lot of work. I use digital

At this point, I began to remember

and any other major bookseller

technology, reminders, you have to

prophetic words from years back

online.

be intentional about your time and

of me being a business consultant.

be very organized. And you have

God told me that business owners,

to know when to put away all of

people in government will seek

your schedules and take a time out

wisdom and that will be an

for holidays and just rest.

opportunity to drop some Holy

Tell us about your TV show It is called HIGHWAYS and is about everyone on a journey in

Spirit wisdom for them and lead

life, on a road to a destination in

Do not allow the work to put you

life. We want to help people with

to rest but allow rest to move you

tools to get to their destination.

to a place of work. Resting in God

How does someone get in

We cover a variety of topics. It is

propels me to do all the work I

touch with you as a coach and

on Channel 57 in Atlanta and we

have to do.

consultant?

Tell us about your business

Our website has all contact

them to Christ.

also do it internationally in the Middle East and Asia.

information https://www.

How often do you broadcast your Gifted Magazine

I do a little bit of coaching and

demontae.tv/ March 2022

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I use digital technology, reminders, you have to be intentional about your time and be very organized.

And you have to know when to put away all of your schedules and take a time out for holidays and just rest.

It has all the media and business consultancy stuff – it is a multipurpose site for media and business.

Demontae & Jessica Edmonds Kingdom Marriage Doing business with your spouse is not always an easy thing to

Tell us about your ministry?

Yes, we are thinking about getting into commercial real estate.

I have an international apostolic

Technology will increase but the

your wife does it so well.

ministry. I help to equip and

land will not which makes it of

raise leaders. We do deliverance,

great value. Also, we have a couple

Apostle Demontae, please tell us

prophetic, meetings, and pieces of

of businesses to try but those

training all over the world.

are yet to be well-planned and

We’ve been to about 30 countries

thought out. We are to start a TV

ministry, and business?

and we have seen tons of miracles,

Network but it is in the works.

It is organic and natural. We are

It is a ministry about the presence

If you can give a piece of advice

of God and the miraculous.

for your younger self, what will

accomplish. However, you and

about doing Kingdom with your spouse. How do you balance life,

just ourselves and having a good time, enjoying God together and whatever He asks us to do, we just do it.

Gifted Magazine

the blind seeing, the lame walking.

that be?

Any joint project coming up with

Do not waste time. Make every

you and your wife?

minute count because you do not

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If you are authentic to yourself, people will become more open to receiving. You do not see me in robes, and that makes me approachable and makes what I share with people relatable.

have that much time.

burdens them. In between their

way, the robe, a funny hat, Jesus

joy and burden, there will be a

was a regular person sharing the

What tip do you have for our

discussion with God that will bring

gospel and people could relate.

readers yet to find purpose?

them to purpose.

Any final thoughts for our

They need to find what gives them

How do you share Gospel in the

inner joy. Not just what pays the

business atmosphere?

bills, but what gives them joy.

readers?

Make every moment count. Pay

Secondly, they need to discover

If you are authentic to yourself,

attention to your dreams; they

what burdens them. Some people

people will become more open

might not make sense now but

get burdened when they see

to receiving. You do not see me

they bring answers. Take note of

injustices done to women and

in robes, and that makes me

your dream.

children, or when they meet an

approachable and makes what I

orphan.

share with people relatable.

They must discover what burdens

This was something Jesus did in

them, take these burdens to God

His ministry. Unlike the Pharisees

in prayer and ask why such thing

who had to dress in some certain

Gifted Magazine

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COVER STORY

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH

LADY JESSICA EDMONDS As a Mother, Wife, and

What are some self-care options

Entrepreneur, How do you

you can recommend to our

balance your different roles?

readers?

God has taught me how to prioritize in life and not allow me to get overwhelmed with everything that I’m called to do.

I have learned how to truly take each day at a time.

Also, I learned to find enjoyment in the now and not get stressed by other things I may have to do later

My greatest challenge has been knowing that God was calling me to do something big but having to overcome self-doubt in my abilities. God has had to work with me on my selfconfidence “stepping out of the boat” in some areas.

in the day or week. I tell people to enjoy each moment individually so the whole of one’s responsibilities doesn’t overwhelm them.

What challenges have you experienced throughout the pursuit of your purpose?

Alone time is a powerful self-care option. Because I’m always with the kids and taking care of them, I have rarely prolonged periods of alone time. Staycations, going to visit my family alone, or going to get a facial can all be relaxing and a time to decompress.

At one time I would feel guilty about leaving the children it would

but fear of man or fear of failure would hold me back from saying “yes.” Now, I have learned that if God has called you he will also give you confidence and the grace to do whatever task is needed.

feel like I’m abandoning them but I know they have a great father in my husband to watch over them.

God himself cannot access us fully if we don’t have alone time as well to spend in prayer and the Word of God.

My greatest challenge has been knowing that God was calling me to do something big but having to overcome self-doubt in my abilities. God has had to work with me on my self-confidence “stepping out of the boat” in some areas.

For instance, I always get invited to speak at meetings and conferences Gifted Magazine

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Have fun! I have seen so-called people “power couples” but they resented each other due to the weights of ministry and/or business. God wants us to enjoy what we do during our lifetime.

What are some tips that you can offer our readers that are in ministry and business with their spouses?

Have fun! I have seen so-called people “power couples” but they resented each other due to the weights of ministry and/or business. God wants us to enjoy what we do during our lifetime.

Also, one must realize that

key. Making a To-Do List and

work together to create an easy

ministry, business, or other

understanding who is responsible

flow within the house.

endeavors are not as important

for what task and when helps the

as the relationship to one’s

house to run decently and in order.

What motivates you to become

spouse. Putting things in proper

Also, we find a good balance by

the person you are today?

perspective will keep things light

trying to help each take care of the

and fun.

household instead of allowing all

The fear of having to stand before

of the burden to fall on one person

God and having nothing to show

How do you do work together

based on some preconceived

that I have done for him or to help

efficiently and maintain your

societal gender role. For example,

better others.

home?

we both take out the trash, clean,

Also, the sense of peace and joy

cook, etc. One may do more of a

that accompanies knowing that I’m

task than another but we try to

walking in my purpose.

Frequent communication is

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If you could give one piece of

what are they passionate about.

advice to your younger self, what

Somewhere in the midst of all of

would it be?

these emotions and mindsets lies a person’s purpose.

If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self it would be to find my passion and purpose while young.

Don’t wait until your late 20s or 30s to find out the “why” for your life but find it out early and pursue it wholeheartedly.

What tips do you have for our readers that are trying to find their purpose?

I advise everyone to find out what

Jessica Edmonds

Frequent communication is key. Making a To-Do List and understanding who is responsible for what task and when helps the house to run decently and in order.

Also, we find a good balance by trying to help each take care of the household instead of allowing all of the burden to fall on one person based on some preconceived societal gender role.

upsets them, what fuels them, and Gifted Magazine

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GIFTED ACROSS GENERATIONS

SherVonne Grose, MFT

Tell us about yourself

together for a total of 26 years.

about me allowing God to unfold

We have three awesome children:

my purpose.

I am SherVonne Grose, Marriage

Deaze, K’Lia, and K’Les, and we

& Family Therapist, Inspirational

have one beautiful granddaughter,

I hold dearly to Jeremiah 29:11

Coach, and Motivational Speaker.

Kylie.

because I know my purpose is all

I am the Founder of SherVonne

about me walking in the plan that

Grose, MFT, LLC, which is an

How did you identify your

God designed for me. It is about

agency providing mental health

purpose?

me understanding that what I’ve

services to help individuals and families achieve GREATER.

grown through has shaped and My struggle became my strength.

formed me for God’s intended

My purpose is a result of the push

purpose.

I am also the Host of W.O.W.

to come out on the other side of

(Wish Only Well) Television and

my emotional battle. My purpose

What inspired you to pursue your

Radio Shows. I’ve been married to

was gifted to me by God. It was

purpose?

my wonderful husband, Reginald,

never a matter of me identifying

for twenty years, but we’ve been

my purpose, but it was always

Gifted Magazine

My purpose is God-ordained. It March 2022

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has never been about me being inspired to pursue my purpose but rather about me being obedient to what God has purposed me to do. I do, however, realize that God has strategically placed people and opportunities in my life as an inspiration to keep going and to know that I’m on the right path.

God is very intentional. I’m inspired to continue walking in my purpose by those who are assigned to me, those who are connected to me, and by the meaningful opportunities gifted to me.

What challenges have you experienced throughout the

Gifted Magazine

I would like to think that I’ve

My struggle became my strength. My purpose is a result of the push to come out on the other side of my emotional battle.

My purpose was gifted to me by God. It was never a matter of me identifying my purpose, but it was always about me allowing God to unfold my purpose.

coined the phrase: “Getting over yourself and getting on to GREATER”. Me, myself, and I were the challenges that I experienced throughout the pursuit of my purpose.

I had to get over myself. I was holding myself back from fully embracing the gift of greatness that was placed inside of me by God. I allowed fear, intimidation, self-doubt, and lack of drive to stop me from embracing and cultivating my greatness.

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The biggest challenge was ‘me’

toward my destiny. The first

someone else can have hope; gain

stopping myself from walking fully

chapter of the book is about me

strength, and can grow through

in my purpose.

getting over myself. I realized that

that very thing that seems like it

I cannot achieve GREATER until I

will destroy him or her.

What challenges have you

get over myself. It’s a continuous

experienced throughout the

process of keeping myself in check

My test became my testament,

pursuit of your purpose?

as I walk fully in my purpose.

and my story was developed for God’s glory, and because my story

Same as above What is the name of your book?

I’m on my road to GREATER. It’s

was developed for God’s glory, it is

a continual journey until the day

meant to be told. Someone needs

I take my last breath. The book is

to know that there is a purpose for

set to come out in mid-2022.

the pain and that his/her struggle

The name of my book is “From

can become his/her strength.

Distracted to Delivered & Onward

What inspired you to write your

to Destiny”. That’s a mouthful, I

book?

What motivates you to become the person you are today?

know, but it is an accurate account of what I’ve encountered on this

I knew from the onset of this

journey of fulfilling my purpose.

journey that I had a story of

I think it is important for any

I had to be delivered from

healing and growth. I knew that

person to become the best

distractions to move onward

I had to tell the story so that

version of herself or himself. I am

Gifted Magazine

March 2022

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product of the environment or the

Please provide final thoughts for

motivated to be me because of

place where you live. That same

Gifted Magazine.

my faith in God; my husband who

wisdom is the foundation you

encourages me; and my children

need to become all God intended

I am grateful for the opportunity

who look up to me.

you to be.

given to me by Gifted Magazine.

You could have chosen anyone in

I have a great support system that

2. People will attempt to label you,

the world to interview, but you

is comprised of family and close

but do not allow people to limit

chose me. I don’t take that lightly.

friends---all believers in Christ. I

you.

I encourage all the readers to

owe it to myself to be motivated

always be grateful. There are

because I previously discounted

3. You have seeds of greatness on

so many benefits that come

and discredited myself. I’m

the inside of you because you are

along with having an attitude of

motivated because I know it’s my

the apple of God’s eye.

gratitude. Just be grateful.

What tips do you have for our

CONTACT INFORMATION

time to shine.

If you could give one piece of

readers trying to find their

advice to your younger self, what

purpose?

would it be?

Facebook Link: https://www. facebook.com/shervonne.

Your purpose is tied to that thing

grose

I grew up in a small, rural town

that makes your heart sing. It’s

LinkedIn Link: https://www.

in Georgia. I was considered to

tied to that thing you’re most

linkedin.com/in/shervonne-grose-

be from the backwoods. To make

compassionate about. When

6317a071

matters worse, my neighborhood

you are preparing to walk in your

Instagram Link: https://

was known as Black Bottom. I lived

purpose, you will experience

www.instagram.com/

on Black Bottom Road. The name

setbacks, rejection, and what may

shervonnegrosemft/

itself implied doom.

seem like defeat.

Email Address: shervonnegrosemft@gmail.com

It implied that I was Black and from

Don’t be moved by what you

Business Phone Number: 478-

the Bottom, and people said that

see. Don’t lose your focus. Stay

284-0717

nothing good came out of Black

the course and keep going. Your

Bottom. I was born to two parents

purpose is your purpose only…it is

who were considered uneducated

designed solely and purposely for

by man’s standards. It looked like

you.

the odds were stacked against me.

We are designed to be helpers one Here’s what I would tell my

to another. Someone is waiting

younger self:

for you to embrace and walk fully in your purpose. What are you

1. Your parents possess Godly

waiting for?

Wisdom. It is that wisdom that will keep you from becoming the

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MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT It’s time for joy! It’s time for praise!

Rise up! Stand up! The storm is

TO DECREE AND DECLARE HIS

It’s time to dance! It’s time to

over because you have the ability

NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES JESUS

believe! It’s time to celebrate! It’s

to determine its was over! You

THE CHRIST THE ANOINTED

time to move yourself out of the

are now turning your ear to the

ONE! He is the one that hears!

way!

Word of the Lord! The voice of

The one that sees! The one that

encouragement! The voice of hope

knows! Stop putting your trust IN

The things you’ve gone through is

and life! Listen carefully, listen

FLESH and put your trust In God!

for a purpose, it has led you to this

sure. Listen strong!

He is knocking on your heart! He

moment!

is tapping on your shoulder! He

**Psalm 30:11 You have turned my

Telling you to get up! To

is trying to get your attention! He

mourning into dancing! You have

remember! That He is with you!

is willing and able to turn your

put off my sackcloth and clothed

The God of the Universe! ABBA

circumstances around! He has

me with gladness!

Father! The Holy Spirit is IN

done it for me! He will do it for

YOU! Give Him voice open up

you! Fir every child of mine that

your MOUTH and speak! Stop

passed! For every negative word

looking at, reading about, and

spoken towards me! For every

believing what people, the news,

lie! Every betrayal it rolls off my

the circumstances are saying to

back because I believe! I believe

you!! RAISE UP A PRAISE! Raise

I am anointed of the most- High

up a shout unto God! Pray unto

God! He is with me! He is in you!

the warrior JHVH—EXODUS

He is in me! He is in you! He is

15:3 – EL SHADDAI, THE GOD

with you! In every situation every

OF MIGHT CALLS YOU FORTH!

circumstance every storm! He

ITS TIME TO REACH THE WORLD! THE WORLD IS CRYING OUT FOR US! WHERE IS YOUR JOY! WHERE IS YOUR LOVE! WHERE IS THE PEACE OF GOD IN YOU? Listen people need you! Get up!

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March 2022

21 does not want to be the copilot

IS not through!!!

he is the pilot! STOP TRYING TO DRIVE THE BUS! He has already

name! Cook! Dishwasher! Teacher!

Preacher! Prophet! Car dealer!

Gen 41:52 fruitful

been there! He has a track record

Telephone operator! Librarian! Do it all in JESUS NAME! I don’t care

of deliverance! Healing! Power!

He’s got you! Let Him git you!

what you do! You are destined to

HE IS SALVATION! He is a SURE

Let him lead and guide you! Give

break free! To be great! To live an

thing! Only Believe! All of these

him the pain! Give him the bad

abundant LIFE! JOHN 10:10

things’ Romans 8:28,29, ALL

memories! Give him the hate!

Psalm105:21) life in Christ Jesus.

THINGS work together for your

Unforgiveness! GRIEF! All of it and

You are DESIGNED to impact

good! Get your praise on! Get

be free! Be free in Christ Jesus!!

others tens hundreds thousands

your shout on! Move that hard

Hallelujah!!!

millions! You are called to them!!

heart out of the way and LET HIM

Go out in Jesus name and get

MOVE THROUGH YOU!!! It’s not

You are called to do something

over. It’s NOT FINISHED ITS not

great! Awesome powerful! Raising

done! THE LORD GOD ALMIGHT

children! Raise them in Jesus

them!

GOD IS RAISING UP A MIGHTY ARMY! AND YOU ARE THAT ARMY! YOU ARE NOT DEFFEATED! YOU ARE A WINNER! YOU ARE VICTORIOUS IN LIFE! RECEIVE IT WALKL IN IT BE IT! IN JESUS NAME! DS Davina Stallworth Author: Shift! From fear to Faith!

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GIFTED 7 INTERVIEW

Angela Taylor-Fisher Global Ministries Tell us about yourself and your

their true purpose and calling in

business?

life.

I am an Author, Mentor, Life

This is an anointed gift that God

Coach, Ordained Pastor, Pastor’s

has given me, that I exorcise

Wife, and Beauty Consultant of

through my books, writings,

Mary Kay cosmetics. I am a woman

teachings, and mentoring.

whose gift is to preach, push, encourage, and to pray people into

When did you know that business/entrepreneurship was something you would do?

I was first introduced to being a business owner/entrepreneur when I was a teenager and also as a young adult, when I watched both my grandmother and mother start their businesses and be successful in them. But the seed of entrepreneurship was planted in me when I was about 20 years old, and I was a dental assistant.

It was there that my boss instilled in me the benefits of “being your own boss”. He would always tell me the hard work it takes to have a business, but he would also tell me the great joys and benefits of it as well.

Starting seems to be a very difficult part of entrepreneurship, how were you able to finance your business in the beginning?

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Continuing consumers & customers. Once you run out of family and friends the challenge now becomes finding new leads.

Connecting with people you’ve never met and introducing them to your services.

You are correct, starting can be very difficult. I was blessed and able to finance my business with a loan from my 401K. What has been the motivating factor for you?

My motivating factor has always been to leave a legacy of wealth and businesses behind for my children and grandchildren and

Continuing consumers &

family, and customers that may

even my family. I want my kids

customers. Once you run out of

have not purchased anything in a

to know that you can have your

family and friends the challenge

while and advertisements.

own. And when you are your own

now becomes finding new leads.

boss your income and benefits are

Connecting with people you’ve

Consistently hitting all of the social

limited less.

never met and introducing them to

media platforms. Connecting with

your services.

new people.

corporate job or any job to supply

The covid-19 pandemic affected

What do you love most about

your source of income if that’s

businesses worldwide, what are

being an entrepreneur?

what you choose not to do.

some of the things you’ve done to

You don’t have to rely on a

keep your business running?

What are the challenges you’ve faced as an entrepreneur?

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Making my hours. Making unlimited income.

Prayer. Reconnecting with friends, March 2022

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Build up your confidence by surrounding yourself with positive and encouraging people who also believe in you. These are the people who will push, encourage, and pray for you.

How highly do you place god in your business? And what values do you uphold?

God is most definitely #1. My values are this: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

So simple. Don’t cheat anyone and they won’t cheat you.

What do you think you should have done differently when you started your business?

I wish I would have advertised.

What is your worst failure as an entrepreneur, the lowest moment? How did you overcome it?

In the beginning, I was so timid and afraid to ask. I knew tons of people would support my business, but I was afraid to ask. I was afraid of hearing “no”.

event, which would have gotten

Get away from any negative

me connected to lots of new

people. These people will put fear

people and make a good profit. But

and doubt in you.

I bailed out, out of fear.

Do your research and find out Through prayer, I was able to

what you like and are good at. Your

develop that “thick skin” and not

passion will be your business.

feel defeated when someone says, “no thank you”.

CONTACT INFORMATION

What has been your greatest

Facebook Link – www.facebook.

achievement as an entrepreneur?

com/angela.t.fisher.7/

As of right now, my greatest

Twitter Link – twitter.com/

achievement is my book

fisher92_angela

collaboration, Fierce Women

LinkedIn Link – www.linkedin.com/

Roaring - From Pain to Purpose. I

in/angela-fisher

had a very successful book signing.

YouTube Link – angela taylor-fisher

Sold lots of books and people love

Instagram Link – www.instagram.

the book so much they are still

com/aandefisher21/

purchasing them for their friends

Website Link – www.aftglobal.net

and families.

Email Address – angela.fisher92@ yahoo.com

What advice do you give to a

Business Phone Number – 214-

college student who doubts his/

475-6195

her chances of success if he/she starts a business?

I would say, the first thing is to put God in all of your plans.

Second, you have to believe that you can do anything you put your heart to.

Build up your confidence by surrounding yourself with positive and encouraging people who also believe in you. These are the people who will push, encourage, and pray for you.

I had been asked to present at an Gifted Magazine

March 2021

26

GIFTED 7 INTERVIEW

Celena Thomas Tell us about yourself?

Celena Thomas is the proud mother of two exceptional young men, Chaunn and Joshua, and Furmom to Rallo (half lab/half dachshund). Chaunn is pursuing a Software Engineering degree at Mississippi State University, and Joshua is pursuing a Sports Medicine degree at Southwest Mississippi Community College.

Celena Thomas is a native of Picayune, MS, and currently resides there. She is the Host of Conversations with Celena and the owner of 4C and Company, LLC. She is also a Human Resources Specialist with the Department of the Navy.

She attended Pearl River Community College for Business Administration and received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

She is an Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach, Influencer/Content Creator, and officiant for weddings and other special events. She is a Gifted Magazine

member of the Picayune Chamber of Commerce, Village Strong Outreach Program, The MLK Picayune Committee, and Worship Day in the Park Committee.

She is passionate about educating, empowering, and impacting the lives of women and children, who have suffered traumatic experiences, including physical and sexual abuse, by offering a safe space with non-judgmental

Celena Thomas is a native of Picayune, MS, and currently resides there.

She is the Host of Conversations with Celena and the owner of 4C and Company, LLC.

support. She is committed to March 2022

27 helping them foster self-respect,

She almost lost her life numerous

I will answer you and show you

self-love, and self-confidence

times due to illness and abuse,

great and mighty things that you

while understanding that

but despite all of the obstacles,

do not know.

suffering through these traumatic

trials, and adversities she views

experiences is not the end, but a

them as opportunities to look for

Two of her favorite sayings/

new beginning and that they can

the positive, learn, and grow. She

quotes:

live and love life above the abuse.

believes the mind is where the magic happens. She is excited

Remember to Smile and Be Kind

Celena’s million-dollar smile is

about participating as a co-author

because they may not remember

captivating and contagious, to

in a book collaboration project –

what you said to them, but they

know her is to love her. She is also

coming soon.

will remember how you made

known as “SUNSHINE”. She smiles

them feel.

big and she loves big. She is also

One of her Favorite scriptures:

an advocate in many facets of life.

Jeremiah 33:3 – Call unto me and

Share a smile and spread some Sunshine!

What is the name of your Podcast?

The name of my podcast is Conversations with Celena, birthed during the pandemic as a way of dealing with the stress and anxiety of it all. The burning desire to help others who have suffered from different forms of abuse whether physical, emotional, mental, financial, or sexual, has been in me for many years.

Gifted Magazine

March 2021

28 What challenges have you

If you could give one piece of

experienced throughout your

advice to your younger self, what

pursuit of purpose?

would it be?

CONTACT INFORMATION YouTube Conversations with Celena

One major challenge that I have

When asked, what advice I would

Facebook

experienced is self. I need to move

give my younger self, I would tell

Celena Thomas

out of my way, get out of my head,

the younger Celena to find her

Facebook

push past my fears and continue to

voice. I would tell her to value

Conversations with Celena

press toward the mark no matter

herself, know her worth, be

Twitch

what situations are occurring in

confident, and believe in herself so

tippingthomas - Twitch

this thing called life.

that she can speak her truth.

Instagram https://instagram.com/

What motivates you to become

What tips do you have for our

conversationswithcelena?utm_

the person you are today?

readers trying to find purpose?

medium=copy_link Twitter

My children are my inspiration and

The readers should think about

convowithcelena

main motivators. I have family,

what they want to be read at

Website

friends, and followers who are

their eulogy and written on their

4ccoaching.com

such integral parts of who I am

tombstones to help them find their

becoming. Words cannot express

purpose. We all have gifts, talents,

the gratitude that I have toward

and ideas that should not go to the

every one of my supporters. They

grave with us. We should use our

have inspired me to continue on

unique gifts and talents to make

this journey.

this world a better place.

The next part of this journey

Please provide final thoughts for

is participating in a book

Gifted Magazine.

collaboration project. The book is another avenue to reach

I am extremely honored to be

individuals that are assigned to me

featured in the March edition

and need to hear my story.

of the Gifted Magazine to share a portion of my purposed-filled journey.

Gifted Magazine

March 2022

29

GIFTED 7 INTERVIEW

CORINNE BROWN Corinne is a very down-to-earth devoted Mother, Pastor, Chaplin, MA, Family Service Worker, Singer, Author, and Public Figure.

My purpose I am here to share the good news of Jesus Christ as his ambassador.

To help change the world, one person at a time, by helping people to know that they are loved by God and that they are somebody special in Him. To help the broken and the lost. To help restore families in love.

What inspires me to pursue my purpose

Gifted Magazine

March 2021

30 I pursue my purpose because God loved me enough to purpose me.

He thought I was worth saving.

I can surely do the same for someone else.

Challenges through my pursuit of purpose Homeless, divorce, loss of cars, houses, so-called friends, shame, and embarrassment. But most of all growth and maturity.

Name of book Girl, you got this!

What’s Behind The Smile Of A Woman Inspiration for writing this book To share my story that it ministers to the hearts of the ones that are going through it and need to be set free and delivered. To the ones that lost their voice and are on mute. Giving them the courage to open up and share theirs with others. That we can continue each one reaches one.

What motivates me People that counted me out, and the ones that boldly tell me that I will never be or that I can’t, when my father has already told me that I can, and that I will and that I shall be.

can have besides is the desire to build a better life for their children.

CONTACT INFORMATION Facebook- Corinne Brown or What’s Behind The Smile Of A Woman IG - corinnesongbird TikTok- CorinneBrown IN- CorinneBrown Twitter - CorinneBrown

The greatest motivation a person

Gifted Magazine

March 2022

31

GIFTED ACROSS GENERATIONS

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH

DAVINA STALLWORTH, CREATIVE Tell us about yourself My name is Davina Stallworth and I am a child of God. I desire to please Him and serve Him as He desires. I currently live in Alaska with my family. God in His generosity has been kind enough to bless me with a wonderful husband of 25 years, children, and grandchildren!

I enjoy reading, writing, baking and cooking. I love to worship. I love the power of Praise and worship and knowing that the Lord will never leave me nor forsake me.

I am enthralled by His presence and that the God of the universe would be interested in me. I am truly grateful to be able to spread the good news of the gospel.

How did you identify your purpose?

Many trials and errors are how I identified the “call” on my life and I am still pursuing my purpose in Christ. I believe that ever so often your purpose may change. It was a long road to discover what specifically I am called to do. I refuse to be limited by just “one” thing because God has blessed me

Gifted Magazine

March 2021

32

with so many talents.

how God created me to worship.

“Shift! From fear to Faith!”

It is in the Creative Arts. I was a To nail it down, it would be:

Dancer for the Lord, I lose myself

What inspired you to write your

to encourage, motivate and

in Him.

book?

in themselves, in others and

Learning to worship, was one of

Interestingly enough, people had

situations. Knowing what you are

the hardest things because you

been telling me for a long time I

good at and what brings you joy,

have to let go and allow God to

needed to write a book. I don’t

even if it may take time.

be who He is through you. Letting

think at the time, I was even

go of fear and allowing faith to

talking about my story, because

For me, it took a lot of time,

rise that God will respond to your

even then I was living it. With so

because I was trying something

worship. Initially, I was so afraid

many ups and downs and past

new. Some things I liked like

to raise my hands in the church

failures, my sole desire was just to

writing, but selling products like

because I thought people were

make it through another day.

Amway was not my thing. There

watching.

assist people in seeing the best

is nothing wrong with Amway, I

The day I surrendered my life

just realized what I like to do and

Ok, they were, but not at me.

to Jesus, was the day my life

what I don’t. That is a BIG key to

When I raised my hands I could

changed. I wrote “Shift! From fear

discovering your purpose.

feel the prompting of the Holy

to Faith!” to inspire others to move

Spirit, I could feel my heart change

out of fear and into faith. This is a

What challenges have you

as if my heart was so cold, it began

higher realm where we should all

experienced throughout the

to warm and experience the Spirit

aspire to be. I joined a book writing

pursuit of your purpose?

of the Lord.

class, with Rekesha Pittman, and the Holy Spirit began to share with

The truth is my purpose is to worship the Lord. I had to discover

Gifted Magazine

What is the name of your book?

me what He wanted me to write, and the rest is history!

March 2022

33 What motivates you to become

to give you His heart’s desire.

always need people, therefore,

the person you are today?

No, this is not a play on words,

honor and respect those who

see Psalm 37:4, He gives you the

come across your path.

My relationship with the Lord.

desires of your heart.

PHOTO CREDIT:

Being inspired to inspire, serve,

JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

and encourage others to be the

As you seek and connect with

best that they can be. It may

Him His desires become your

be through a simple hello, a

desires, and He is willing to fulfill

heartfelt prayer, or even a word of

that willingly. Your purpose is

encouragement.

wrapped up in the mind and heart

Facebook Link

of God. He has already placed it

www.facebook.com/davina.

If you could give one piece of

within you. Matthew 6:33 tells us

stallworth.9

advice to your younger self, what

to see first the kingdom of God

would it be?

and His righteousness and all

Twitter Link

things will be added to us. Ask,

Davina Stallworth@davina_stalley

CONTACT INFORMATION

That is a good question…the

Seek, Knock and the door will be

appropriate question would be

opened to you. The best way to

YouTube Link

if situations were different, what

begin is to worship the Lord for

D Stalley

would I tell myself? Never give up,

who He is.

keep your head out of the sand,

Instagram Link

don’t be afraid to live, breathe,

Please provide final thoughts for

move, and dance, you can’t change

Gifted Magazine.

what people say and think about

Davinastallworth Website Link

you, if it’s negative go and find

In closing, I would ask viewers,

new friends.

listeners and those that are

www.hopefullmessenger.com

attending to this article to do is to

Email Address

I would also say, Dig deep into

love the Lord thy God with all your

info@hopefullmessenger.com

the things of God, even though

strength, and all your might. Never

you can’t see it now, it’s out there,

forget your neighbor, because

it’s up there and it’s in there (my

someone could be watching and

heart). Only Believe…

wanting to be just like you.

What tips do you have for our

Be vulnerable as a leader and take

readers that are trying to find

the narrow road. What you have,

their purpose?

every gifting and talent is not for you. Increase in your skills and

Always seek God first! It will take

always in every moment pursue

time; however, God is willing to

God and surround yourself and

share. He tells us that if we need

listen to wise counsel. There is

wisdom, he will give it to us. He is

no place for you to go where you

an all-knowing God and is willing

can make it on your own, you will

Gifted Magazine

March 2021

34

GIFTED 7 INTERVIEW

Dr. Gillian Curry Williams Tell us about yourself

constantly going, sometimes I talk

dresses to headpieces to bags and

too fast because my mind is filled

accessories. I am a pet mum who

WOW. There is so much I can

with so much. I sleep and think

loves to sing but can’t hold a tune.

say. Gillian is a believer in the

of fashion if there is something I

Lord Jesus Christ, without whom

cannot figure out I ask God and

I am a graduate of the American

I would not be who I am. I am

once I am asleep he will give me

Academy of Design, Atlanta

a wife, mother of three, and

the strategy for constructing what

Georgia, and Academy of Design,

grandmother of one. I am a critical

I was having difficulties with. I am

Toronto Canada. I am a Fashion

thinker and strategist, my mind is

a lover of all things fashion, from

Designer by profession, my brand is Remilda Rose Designs and I have held 5 events showcasing my Spring Summer Collection. As well as shows honoring persons who have battled cancer or who are still battling cancer by giving them makeovers and showcasing them for their beauty despite what they may have gone through or still going through. I am a philanthropist and have established the Fabric of Hope Foundation to help assist persons battling cancer in any way possible, in addition to establishing The Caregiver’s Network of The Bahamas to assist and be a support system for the caregiver.

This is just a bit of who Gillian is...

How did you identify your purpose?

I am not sure at what point in my life I could say I identified my purpose. What is certain was I

Gifted Magazine

March 2022

35

I am a graduate of the American Academy of Design, Atlanta Georgia, and Academy of Design, Toronto Canada. I am a Fashion Designer by profession, my brand is Remilda Rose Designs and I have held 5 events showcasing my Spring Summer Collection.

What challenges have you experienced throughout the pursuit of your purpose?

There have been so many challenges, from being told I would amount to nothing, to thinking that was true for a while. Wondering for the longest if God loved me, and if He did why was He letting me go through so much.

To think that nothing was going to knew I wanted to uplift, inspire,

want other women to feel about

work out for me and remembering

motivate, and help women look

themselves the way I felt about

Jeremiah which says that God

their best. My ultimate purpose is

myself at one point because it

knows the plan He has for me, and

to help people however I can.

was not good. It’s amazing how

they are for good.

we unknowingly have such a What inspired you to pursue your

powerful impact on the lives of

I realized that while I was helping

purpose?

others. When I realized I could

other women to heal God was also

use dressmaking to make other

using them as a conduit for my

My inspiration for pursuing my

women look good and feel good

healing to take place.

purpose came from God and

while providing a listening ear and

mentally knowing that I did not

offering sound Godly advice.

Gifted Magazine

What is the name of your book?

March 2021

36

Gifted Magazine

March 2022

37 I have written several books

What tips do you have for our

the one I will focus on is called

readers that are trying to find

“Beyond Diagnosis A Caregiver’s

their purpose?

Journey” What inspired you to write your book?

I have always loved to write and would use any surface to write on.

Having been a caregiver to several very important persons in my life; my aunt, father, and Samantha I decided to put pen to paper to share my journey and role as a caregiver as well as encourage caregivers to remain dedicated and strong.

I never saw caring for them as a job, but it was the opportunity to make sure that they were each comfortable and well taken care of during the time they needed it the most.

God had prepared me for the caregiver role unknowing to me.

Aside from my story the book also includes a road map for caregivers, scriptures, and pure motivation.

The launch of the book also led to the establishment of the Caregiver’s Network in The Bahamas.

What motivates you to become the person you are today?

My will to succeed! This drives

God had prepared me for the caregiver role unknowing to me. Aside from my story the book also includes a road map for caregivers, scriptures, and pure motivation. get every time I am tasked with outfitting women for their special occasions. I am encouraged to connect with persons through my foundation.

The Fabric of Hope Foundation offers assistance no matter how small be it a listening ear or advice as they vent or providing a meal for someone in need. Knowing I have contributed to the upliftment and empowerment of others is a joy, and my impact on their lives

Talk to God. Ask Him to show you the plans He has for your life, remember that God knows our beginning and our end.

Surround yourself with people who want the best for you, people who add value to your life, and who are also seeking God’s kingdom.

Please provide final thoughts for Gifted Magazine.

Daily as we work on ourselves let’s remember to be our brother’s keeper and do what we can to be an instrument of change.

For tomorrow is promised to no man let us do what the Lord has called us to do on this earth while we still have time.

keeps me motivated If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Not to pay attention to the naysayers, be goal-oriented and never think there is anything too good for you. God wants the best for all of us, but we must have faith and believe in not only Him but ourselves.

me along with the sense of joy I

Gifted Magazine

March 2021

38

GIFTED ACROSS GENERATIONS

HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR LIFESTYLE MINISTERS

BY RENA CANADY LASTER, TRANSFORMATIONAL LIFE COACH Lifestyle is defined as “the way you live, including your style, attitudes

lifestyle diseases; those medical

and possessions; the consistent, integrated way of life of an individual as

disorders and conditions thought

typified by his or her manner, attitudes, possessions, etc.; a style of living

to be produced or exacerbated

that reflects the attitudes of a person or group”. (yourdictionary.com).

by aspects of a person’s lifestyle,

This importance of this word has been magnified in my life increasingly

such as diet and level of physical

day by day as I become more aware of how it is today. Doctors refer to

activity (Wikipedia). We hear about healthy lifestyles. Even the American Heritage® Stedman’s Medical Dictionary describes style of life as a way of life or style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group. So, I began to think about the Christian lifestyle. What should our lifestyle reveal about us? Shouldn’t it cause us to give careful thought and evaluation to our friendships, our relationships, our health, our activities, our parenting, and our work life? We often get it twisted, thinking that the work of the ministry and a lifestyle that influences others is only for pastors or certain designated ministry leaders. But the Great Commission to the disciples in Mark 16:15-16 says to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Disciples are to make disciples.

Discipleship should result in exponential growth as the result of those whose lives have been changed demonstrating the love

Gifted Magazine

March 2022

39 of Christ. We are to be able to say,

him saying, “Verily I say unto you,

the biggest stumbling blocks to

as Paul did, “Be an imitator of me,

inasmuch as ye have done unto

making disciples. This is why, as

as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians

one of these, you have done unto

disciples, we are to follow Christ,

11:1). But what example are we

me”.

who came that we may have

setting? What are we asking them

abundant life. And, by abundance,

to imitate? I believe that how we

I have coined the term, “All Things

I am not only referring to money.

live our lives daily, at home, in

Lifestyle”, to describe the fact

We are to be transparent because

the boardroom, in the kitchen, in

that we are walking tracts without

we are not perfect. When we

the community, on social media,

the words. We are the only Bible

imitate Christ, God equips us and

wherever we are and whatever we

that some people will read. One

orders our steps. Use what God

do, speaks volumes. Our words

traditional way that Christians try

has placed in you for bringing

and deeds must be in alignment.

to reach others is through tracts,

the kingdom to earth as we pray:

We must be more than hearers of

printed evangelism materials. But

“Thy kingdom come, thy will be

the word. We must be doers of

my question is, how many people

done on earth as it is in heaven”.

the word. Christ personified this

actually read them? Our lifestyle

Many are made to feel inadequate

when he spoke of those in need in

speaks, positively or negatively.

and unimportant in the work of

Matthew 35-40. Verse 40 shows

And being hypocritical is one of

the ministry, when in actuality,

Gifted Magazine

March 2021

40 we are all ministers. We all have been charged to make disciples.

And our losses, sickness, financial challenges, and life altering experiences prepare us to draw others with our testimonies and anointing. It is time for us to realize that God is expecting us to “get out of the box” and deliver a new level of ministry that will enlarge the kingdom of God. We want to demonstrate a kingdom where the fruit of the spirit permeates every environment and atmosphere. This is our mission as we journey this life together. Every soul matters.

2 Peter 3:9 tells us that, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.

Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”.

Every resource is at our disposal today and offer out of the box opportunities to minister through book clubs, podcasts, recipe sharing, child friendly activities, Zoom, social media, letter writing and so much more when we allow our minds to get out of the traditional in-the-box modalities for doing ministry.

Each week, All Things Lifestyle will speak through radio, social media, and television guests whose lives demonstrate how their lives speak volumes. Our Out of the box ministry should demonstrate

Gifted Magazine

a life of service; a life of faith;

opportunity for God to be glorified

attributes of the fruit of the spirit;

without us quoting one scripture if

a life that has been transformed;

our life speaks. People will want or

the importance of relationships;

reject our Jesus based on how we

the importance of family; choices;

present him in our lifestyle. Non-

and the importance of generations

Christians will judge our God by

and legacy. Out of the box ministry

how we present Him.

demonstrates lives of integrity, perseverance, values, vision,

Here are a few affirmations that

mentorship, and lives where

we can each affirm that will allow

motives and mission intersect.

us to be ambassadors for Christ together as we endeavor to make

Join me in the quest for lifestyles

disciples.

that demonstrate opportunities for out of the box ministry. Every

My lifestyle demonstrates out of

recipe, every letter written,

the box ministry that allows me to

every Zoom platform, every

share my story.

board meeting, every Duo call, every social media platform is an

My lifestyle demonstrates out of March 2022

41 on earth.

•

My lifestyle demonstrates out of the box ministry that demonstrates the power of God.

•

My lifestyle demonstrates out of the box ministry that allows me to renew my mind daily.

•

My lifestyle demonstrates out of the box ministry that allows me to be a blessing to others.

•

My lifestyle demonstrates out of the box ministry that allows me to impact families and communities.

•

My lifestyle demonstrates out of the box ministry that places a priority on my self-care so that I can care for others.

• develop community and networks.

•

of the box ministry that gives

the box ministry that causes others

me permission to love others

to examine their lives and change.

as myself.

•

My lifestyle demonstrates out

of the ministry that is non-

of the box ministry that allows

judgmental.

me to look for opportunities to bless others.

•

•

•

My lifestyle demonstrates

•

My lifestyle demonstrates out

out of the box ministry that

of the box ministry that gives

demonstrates my concern for

God the opportunity to use me

souls.

wherever He pleases.

My lifestyle demonstrates out

•

My lifestyle demonstrates out

of the box ministry that is a

of the box ministry that makes

priority in my life.

my life fruitful.

My lifestyle demonstrates

•

work my plan to incorporate outreach in everything that I do.

•

My lifestyle demonstrates outof-the-box ministry that allows me to make the most of every opportunity that God sends my way.

Follow me on All Things Lifestyle on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Elevation TV Network, Elevation Radio Network, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

My lifestyle demonstrates out

out of the box ministry that

of the box ministry that desires

involves listening to the stories

to see the kingdom manifested

Gifted Magazine

me to plan for ministry and

My lifestyle demonstrates out

My lifestyle demonstrates out of

My lifestyle demonstrates out

of-the-box ministry that allows

of others.

the box ministry that allows me to

My lifestyle demonstrates out-

March 2021

42

GIFTED ACROSS GENERATIONS

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH

JACQUALINE HOPE DODSON Tell us about yourself.

I go by Hope because I love to give hope to others. I have a special ability called Cerebral Palsy. I use CP to reach others for Christ. When I was born, I died three times and went 19 minutes without blood or oxygen to my brain. The doctors said I wouldn’t make it if I did, I wouldn’t be anything, but GOD had other plans.

I am a minister and I love the ministry. I love seeing people being saved, delivered, healed, touched by the power of God, and filled with the Holy Ghost. I have a sweet nephew that I love to spend time with. I am an author and I love writing what the Holy Ghost put in my spirit to write.

How did you identify your purpose?

There were serval ways I had to identify my purpose.

The first way I had identify my purpose in the ministry was by prophecy. There was serval prophet and prophetess that prophesied and spoke over my life that I would be a preacher and I had some

answered the call of ministry. The Lord shows me

other prophet and other ministers that said I was an

vision over the past years of ministry, and he has also

apostle. I had some say I had a pastor’s heart, and

put a vision inside of me for the ministry. The way I

some said I was a prophetess.

had to identify the purpose of being an author is, I was going through a hard time, and I started writing

The second way I identify my purpose is prayer. There

things down and then I fell in love with writing.

was a day I was in my room seeking the Lord and the Holy Ghost came upon me and he began to speak to

What inspired you to pursue your purpose?

me about how he called me, and I try to run from the call because of my speech and my walking isn’t like

There are a few things that inspired me to pursue

others, and people were telling me that God didn’t

my purpose. The first thing that inspired me to do

call me.

ministry is what the Lord spoke to me one day in my room. The Lord spoke to me about how he used

The Lord began to remind me of Moses then I

Gifted Magazine

Moses and how he can use me.

March 2022

43

There are a few things that inspired me to pursue my purpose. The first thing that inspired me to do ministry is what the Lord spoke to me one day in my room. The Lord spoke to me about how he used Moses and how he can use me.

The second thing that inspired

people can’t understand much.

to raise press through every o of

me to do ministry is seeing the

The third thing that inspired me to

them and I give God the glory

power of God move on people in

write is seeing people enjoy the

and praise for the strength he has

a mighty way, and seeing them

books and articles that I write and

given me.

saved, healed, delivered, set free,

seeing that they are touched by

and filled with the sweet Holy

the Spirit of God through what I

Ghost.

write.

What is the name of your book?

I have one published and working

The last thing is watching my

What challenges have you

on a few more books to come out

father minister, under such a

experienced throughout the

soon. The published book name is

powerful anointing. I am a big

pursuit of your purpose?

‘The Journey of Life’. One of the

daddy girl, so I wanted to follow

books that will come out soon is

in some of the footsteps of my

I faced so many challenges, but

dad. There are a few things that

I will just name a few. The first

inspired me to write books and

biggest challenges are my health

What inspired you to write your

articles.

and Cerebral Palsy.

book?

The first thing that inspired me

The second biggest challenge is my

I was in a spiritual battle, and I was

to write is being able to reach

speech and walking.

having up to 9 seizures a day and I

more people than when we are preaching behind a pulpit.

The second thing that inspired

named The Power of God.

couldn’t go to church or be around The third biggest challenge is the

Holy Ghost-filled people without

many nay Sayer and people who

having a seizure.

wanted me to fail.

me to write is the ways I can say

I couldn’t even stay for my full

more, and people will understand

I want to say that with all these

graduation ceremony due to

in writing than when I speak, and

challenges God has made a way

having seizures, but I did get walk

Gifted Magazine

March 2021

44 across the stage. The night of my

would it be?

graduation, I had nine seizures.

in your life and follow the Holy Ghost. I encourage you to tell him

During this spiritual warfare, the

I would tell my younger self to

doctor couldn’t find anything

keep going and focus on what you

wrong, so I sought God to send

are supposed to do. I would also

I encourage you not to throw in

someone with an answer. In

say don’t let people run you over,

the towel but instead take up the

these three years of seizures, I

stand up for yourself but don’t

towel and run for Christ because

felt like I couldn’t make it through

fight in the flesh but the spirit.

time is running short.

the spiritual battle then the Lord

I would say this last thing don’t

started to remind me of things he

let just anybody pray over you or

I will say this last thing, test the

brought me through in life and he

speak into your life.

spirits of people who are speaking

had me write it down.

yes to the calling in your life.

over your life because the word What tips do you have for our

tells us to be aware of false

Little did I know that it would

readers that are trying to find

prophets.

become a book and I was inspired

their purpose?

CONTACT INFORMATION

by all the things that the Lord brought me through. Then God

The first tip I will give is to pray

sent my pastor at that time to me

and ask what the Lord’s plans are

Facebook:

with answers that I needed and

for your life.

Hope Dodson or Author and

wanted.

minister Jacqualine Hope Dodson The second thing I would say is

What motivates you to become

don’t run or make excuses not to

Email Address

the person you are today?

do what the Lord called you to do

Jhope.dodson97@gmail.com

and follow his Holy Spirit, for he There are a few things that

will order a good man step.

motivate me.

The next thing I would say is always put God number one in

The first thing that motivates me is

your life.

the Lord and his word.

I would also say don’t let just The second thing is my family. I

anybody pray or speak into your

watch my parents work so hard in

life because not everybody is for

life.

you.

The third thing that motivates me

The last thing I would say is don’t

is seeing what God brought me

give up when challenges come.

through and seeing the power and glory of God in my life.

Please provide final thoughts for Gifted Magazine.

If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what

Gifted Magazine

I encourage you to put God first

March 2022

45

GIFTED 7 INTERVIEW

Kerland Toussaint Tell us about yourself My name is Kerland Toussaint.

I was born in Miami, Florida to Haitian decent parents.

I am a mother, Healthcare Administrator, writer, author, storyteller & and inspirational speaker. Raised on the gritty street of Little Haiti, an urban sprawl of Miami, Kerland Toussaint lived a life of destruction.

Being attacked ever since she was in her mother’s womb, Kerland was stamped from the beginning to fail. Like many of her peers, she was in and out of the juvenile justice system, dropped out of middle school, and found herself in a cesspool of drugs and alcohol while bills fell at her six-inch stripper heels.

Her life was going nowhere….fast How did you identify your purpose?

I’ve identified my purpose a couple of years after I prayed, and I asked God ‘why was I born?’ Why Gifted Magazine

March 2021

46 didn’t I die in all those closed calls?

What inspired me to pursue my

morning going to a job to survive

What is my purpose on earth?

purpose is to give people hope and

and come back home.

After he took me through the

let them know your past doesn’t

process & I was ready; He revealed

define you. I wanted to let people

I knew my life had to be more than

it to me.

know that God turn your mess into

just that, but when God revealed

a message.

to me what my purpose was

“The two most important days in

everything made more sense. All

your life are the day you were born

If I can use my transparency and

the pieces of the puzzle started to

& the day you find out why”!—

testimonies to motivate and inspire

connect.

Mark Twain

others, it is a blessing! This world needs more people to say hey I’ve

What challenges have you

What inspired you to pursue your

been through that & this is how

experienced throughout the

purpose?

I overcame it! I knew it was more

pursuit of your purpose?

to living than just waking up in the One of the biggest challenges I’ve experienced is people who knew the old me and are shocked that’s it me!

Another challenge I face is getting too emotional watching people go through the healing process, it can be a bit overwhelming because everyone heals differently.

What is the name of your book?

The name of my book is called From ‘The Streets to The Pulpit

Gifted Magazine

March 2022

47 walking in purpose’.

What inspired you to write your

If you could give one piece of

Kerland’s relationship with God has

advice to your younger self, what

been solidified through scriptures

would it be?

and the power of transforming

book?

prayers.

The advice I would give my

What inspired me to write my

younger self is that you are loved,

This motivational memoir will

book is, I wanted to let people

you are special. You are fearfully

reinforce the hope that God is not

know that God tends to pick up ‘a

and wonderfully made.

done with you yet! Even though

nobody, to become somebody, in

the pain and struggles of life, God

front of everybody without asking

Girl, wipe those tears and shake

brings about peace to comfort his

anybody’!

them off! You can do all things

children.

through Christ who strengthens I wanted to inspire people who’ve

you.

been where I have been to let

Remember, God can turn your mess into a message!

them know I have got over that

What tips do you have for our

therefore, you can too & this is

readers that are trying to find

how.

their purpose?

CONTACT INFORMATION KerlandT@gmail.com

There are a lot of people who

Your purpose is inside of you. You

are ashamed of their past and

were born with it.

are holding on to the emotional

com/

baggage of the past. I am here to

God gave each one of us different

let them know you can be set free,

talents & unique gifts. If you

and your past doesn’t define you!

don’t learn and find out what it is someone else will use them for

What motivates you to become

Website: https://kerlandtoussaint.

Email address: Kerland Toussaint Instagram: KerlandToussaint

you!

the person you are today?

Facebook: KerlandToussaint The only way to find out what it

What motivates me to be the

is if you don’t know is to seek the

woman I am today is when I look

one who created you and that’s

back when I was a little girl hearing

God!

those negative words that were spoken over me saying shut up you

Please provide final thoughts for

would never amount to anything.

Gifted Magazine.

And when I look at my body and see those extinction marks on my

God had other plans. Each

body! When I think about those

obstacle has been turned into a

times I was physically, mentally,

testimony of triumph, each form

sexually & verbally abused, it gives

of abuse has been overcome in

me the courage and strength to be

victory.

all that God calls me to be

Gifted Magazine

March 2021

48

GIFTED 7 INTERVIEW

Natasha Bibbins Tell us about yourself.

What inspired you to pursue your

someone gives their life to Christ,

purpose?

I know that I am doing what God

I am Natasha Bibbins. A wife,

has purposed for my life.

mother, sister, and friend to most.

When I began to see others

I am a woman of God, prophetess,

come out of their comfort zone,

evangelist, author, and a Doctor

it inspired me more and more to

Elect. Currently working on my

continue.

Doctor of Strategic Leadership degree.

What is the name of your book?

ReCharge – Devotional and Journal; Dreamer on the Rise,

The more I continued, the more

compiled by Dr. Kishma George,

God blessed and anointed me for

and Called to Intercede, compiled

the job.

by Dr. Monique Rodgers.

What challenges have you

What inspired you to write your

When it came to my purpose, it

experienced throughout the

book?

was so difficult to identify. I didn’t

pursuit of your purpose?

How did you identify your purpose?

want to go based on emotions,

Once again, stepping outside my

because sometimes we can

The challenge that I faced is with

confuse passion with a ministry. I

not having the support of family as

prayed to God to show me what

I wanted. My husband, who is my

When God gave me the title

my purpose was, and my purpose

best friend, would encourage me

of the book “ReCharge” 31-day

had nothing to do with my passion.

to keep going when others didn’t.

Devotional and Journal, I had to do

Yes, I love people and want to

This journey has been a lonely

it. I am always inspired to do what

see others Saved, Delivered, and

journey for me. I prayed that

God says.

Set Free, but not in this capacity.

God would anoint others to do

Preaching was not something that

the work to avoid me from going

With a “yes” came a movement.

I wanted to do, but it’s what God’s

through the struggles. I had to say

What motivates you to become

purpose was for my life.

“nevertheless, not my will but your

the person you are today?

comfort zone.

will”.

To see others living out their Godgiven purpose is my purpose.

Gifted Magazine

First, it was my children that Although there are challenges,

motivated me to become the

they are all worth it. Every time

person that I am today. Once I March 2022

49 look at them, I wanted them to be

Just do it! Do not let anything stop

YouTube Link: www.

proud of their mother. I wanted to

you from living out your purpose.

youtube.com/channel/

show them that it doesn’t matter

Believe in God and believe in

UCoebbLOrf32BZWueeAJ7YGw

where you start in your journey,

yourself and know that with God

what matters is that you start. I

you can do anything.

Instagram Link: natasha_t_bibbins

JUST DO IT!

Website Link: www.

have to keep going so that they can. There is no defeat!

natashabibbins.com If you could give one piece of

Please provide final thoughts for

advice to your younger self, what

Gifted Magazine.

would it be?

Email Address: natashabibbinsministry.com

Thank you for this opportunity.

Be honest and true to yourself and

Continue to allow the fire of God

Business Phone Number: 757-

move with God. Don’t just think

to lead and direct all.

525-9390

about a change, be the change.

Dream big and go after it.

CONTACT INFORMATION

What tips do you have for our

Facebook Link: Natasha Bibbins

readers that are trying to find

(https://www.facebook.com/

their purpose?

natasha.w.battle)

Gifted Magazine

March 2021

50

GIFTED 7 INTERVIEW

RONISHA WILLIAMS

Tell us about yourself

How did you identify your purpose?

My name is Ronisha Williams I am a servant of

I identified my purpose through prayer and my

Christ, wife to an amazing husband of 21 years,

intimate relationship with God.

and a mother to 3 beautiful young adults. I am an entrepreneur, author of 4 books, and 1 book

It was in God I found my true identity and purpose.

collaboration. Three of my books made Best Seller.

I am a walking miracle, a voice for the voiceless, and

What inspired you to pursue your purpose?

healing for the wounded. If I can sum up my life in 3 words it would be the glory carrier.

My experience with life, church, pain, and trauma inspired me to live out my purpose. Being paralyzed

From a place of tragedy, brokenness, being paralyzed,

fighting for my life and destiny birthed a passion in

and near death. God birth His glory through me. My

me to see people truly encounter God. Being pushed

heart is truly yielded toward God, I love seeing souls

to the back, ostracized, and spiritually misdiagnosed

delivered, disciple, and birthed out.

caused me to develop a covenant relationship with God and be drawn to those rejected, broken, bound,

Over the years I grew a strong passion to teach and

and misunderstood. When I was sick I flatlined twice

impart. This is where the Weight of Glory BootCamp

and my heart stopped as well.

was birthed. Many lives are changed because of it.

In everything God does through me He continuously

During this time my heart was filled with bitterness,

gets the glory. I owe God my all

rage, resentment, unforgiveness, abandonment,

Gifted Magazine

March 2022

51 marriage, and having multiple miscarriages until God completely healed me. I would have to be careful going out to minister and preach the gospel. I use to cry to God because I wanted my life back and to do ministry engagements without ending up in ICU. I was intubated over 58 times so I needed God to desperately heal me completely and He did in 2021.

Through it all, I pressed through every barrier, setback, let down, and major disappointment. I knew God was bigger and the promise He gave me would be fulfilled in my life. It took me losing my baby in

etc. When I flatlined I remembered it happening so fast and my spirit was snatched from my body.

It was pitch black and I was falling, it was horrible, everything that was in my heartfelt a million times worse.

Then all of a sudden I was snatched back and the doctors were working on me. God gently said to me Ronisha it wasn’t the obvious sins that you almost went to hell for, it was the matters of your heart. This is also why I pursue my purpose the way I do, I don’t want to see anyone lost but to be made whole, living out purpose.

What challenges have you experienced throughout the pursuit of your purpose?

I faced many challenges in life while pursuing purpose from major setbacks with my health, my Gifted Magazine

March 2021

52 From The Hospital To The Pulpit Swallowed Up, A Demand For The Greater You Beyond The Realm of You, God Activating God, Death to Self Birthing The Dreamer In You (collaboration book) What inspired you to write your book?

The Holy Spirit auctioned me to write and I knew I had the testimony that would empower, inspire and encourage people.

What motivates you to become the person you are today?

2020 to land me in the greatest breakthrough of my life. I can’t even articulate how God is moving and being glorified in me and my family life.

Each challenge I faced while pursuing purpose brought me closer to God. I owe God my all and I’m grateful for every challenge because it brought me into a place of knowing God intimately. One of my favorite scriptures is Romans 8:28. All things have worked together for my good. I had to travail through to help someone else birth through to purpose. I give God all the glory for my life.

What is the name of your book?

Gifted Magazine

March 2022

53 My family and the fact of knowing

come but learn that each challenge

says ‘Be confident that what God

I never wanted to be like the

prepares and equips you for what’s

started in you He will complete it

people that caused the pain in my

next. Sometimes you have to find

within you’. Allow your purpose to

life. I am the person I am today

purpose in the pain and destiny in

be authenticated by God and flow

because my experience with

the drought. The pressures of life

from a pure place in Him.

God helped me to know there

can make you pitiful or powerful

was more in life than what I had

the choice is yours.

yielded myself to.

Thank you Gifted Magazine for allowing me to share my story.

Allow it to make you powerful in CONTACT INFORMATION

I also never want anyone to

God. Keep pushing, Keep going

experience the hardships I did in

no matter what comes your way.

my life. My life was on display all

And remember Greater is He that’s

Facebook Link: https://

for the Glory of God. My passion is

within you than he that’s within

www.facebook.com/

strong in staying postured before

the world.

AGloryCarrier8/

God with my heart pure so that I

Twitter Link: Ronisha Williams

embody the nature of God and His

Please provide final thoughts for

Instagram Link: @theglorycarrier

ways and it exudes out of me.

Gifted Magazine.

Website Link: www. ronishawilliams.com

If you could give one piece of

No matter the mountain top or

Email Address: admin@

advice to your younger self, what

the valley low, keep pushing and

ronishawilliams.com

would it be?

pursuing God. Philippians 1:6

It would be ‘it wasn’t your fault and you are more than enough.

What tips do you have for our readers that are trying to find their purpose?

The purpose is God-given, divine in nature. Never measure your purpose by your inability to see who you are in Christ. While pursuing purpose you must learn to serve God without conditions and have an ‘I won’t Give up in your spirit’.

You have to pursue God with everything within you and learn to live above offenses. Challenges will

Gifted Magazine

March 2021

54

Gifted Magazine

March 2022

55

GIFTED ACROSS GENERATIONS

STEPHANY JANAE’ SMITH B.A.S.I.C. ENTERPRISES Tell us about yourself and your

positive behaviors mentally

will be launching and expanding

business?

while incorporating faith-based

the brand for a global reach and

principles, health and nutrition

impact.

I am Bold, Authentic, Secure,

coaching, and will be launching

Inspired, and Courageous!

my fitness school this summer, to

When did you know that

provide online and in-person HIIT

business/entrepreneurship was

The B.A.S.I.C. acronym sums up

training sessions for those who

something you would do?

who I am and the journey that

are ready to start that complete

led me to where I am today. I am

journey to wholeness, consistency,

I have always had a desire

originally from Upper Marlboro

and discipline in living a fit lifestyle

and passion to have many

MD and have lived in TX, VA,

for self and Jesus Christ.

businesses, but it took finding and

and a few cities in NC. I currently reside in Charlotte NC. I am an International Best-Selling

understanding my identity and B.A.S.I.C. Enterprises also offer

embracing my purpose to fully

personal coaching/mentoring,

accept that this was God’s purpose

courses, apparel, and podcast. It

and that I needed to move forward

Author, Inspirational Speaker, Coach that specializes in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Health & Nutrition, PODCAST HOST for the B.A.S.I.C. podcast, Educator, Family Liaison, and Associate Pastor.

I love to inspire and empower people with the heart and capacity to always serve. One of my greatest passions in life is to be a support to those who are on a journey to a purpose-filled life.

My business is centered around the health and well-being of the lives of individuals all over the world, offering a variety of services such as cognitive behavior therapy, a program that helps establish

Gifted Magazine

March 2021

56 in the vision that God had given

do the assignment that has been

done to keep your business

me to execute.

given to me and to see those that

running?

I encounter being restored has After working for others, I became

given me great confirmation that

I would say patience and timing!

drained and my appetite changed,

this is what I was called to do.

Sometimes things may not go as

the passion in my spirit to step into

planned, but it also allows you to

that mantle of entrepreneurship

What are the challenges you’ve

prepare and develop. I was just

grew and the fire would not let me

faced as an entrepreneur?

putting the final touches on my

go.

business during that time but Some challenges for me have been

noticed that once things got a little

Three years ago, in 2019 I decided

financing and being able to fully

better in the world, my services

to put my fears aside, and start the

execute the vision of the business.

started to gain more attention

business.

through my speaking platforms The covid-19 pandemic sort of

which allowed me to make some

Starting seems to be a very

affected businesses the world

of my coaching services known

difficult part of entrepreneurship,

over, what are those things you’ve

for those dealing with anxiety and

how were you able to finance your business in the beginning?

Starting the business was difficult mentally for me because I felt like I had to have everything all together, including the finances.

I procrastinated for a while until I was encouraged to start it anyway.

I invested in things that I had to get started with and did a lot on my own. Sometimes we are our hindrance by thinking it has to be perfect just to start, or be in a certain position to move forward.

What has been the motivating factor for you?

The motivating factor for me is the inspiration it brings to others.

Seeing lives transformed for the better excites me.

I just want to be obedient and

Gifted Magazine

March 2022

57 wanted better health practices.

To be able to do something that

It is a faith-based business that

you love and have a passion for is

is centered on living a purposed-

Sometimes you may have one or

priceless and that’s something that

filled life in God and all aspects of

hundreds of clients, and some

no one can take away!

life.

learned to remain consistent

Money has never been my main

What do you think you should

and keep going no matter what

focus, but it is a blessing, but I love

have done differently?

because my business still has

what I have been graced to do!

days none and that is okay. I have

a purpose and will continue to succeed.

I honestly do not think anything How highly do you place god in

should have been done differently.

your business?

I believe that timing was

What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?

something that I needed to focus God gave me the vision for the

on and now I am in the position to

business so he will always be

soar.

I love the freedom, influence, and

involved in all that my services

impact it brings.

have to offer.

What is your worst failure as an entrepreneur, that lowest moment?

I struggled with fear, and doubt. I did!

Starting the business was difficult mentally for me because I felt like I had to have everything all together, including the finances. I procrastinated for a while until I was encouraged to start it anyway.

Gifted Magazine

March 2021

58 You will not know how anything will work if you don’t start it.

You can do all things through Christ which strengthens you (Philippians 4:13) let that scripture be your reminder!

Follow your dreams and do not let anyone tell you that you are too young to start that business! Keep the vision secure and connect with the right people who can help you execute the plan.

There is a reason and a purpose for the desire and don’t let your fears and insecurities block it!

How can people connect with you?

Facebook: STEPHANY SMITH INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, and TWITTER: STEPHANYSMITH_ WEBSITE AT STEPHANYSMITH. COM Okay, what has been your best

What will be your message to

achievement as an entrepreneur?

that college student who doubts his chances of success if he starts

My greatest achievement has been

a business?

Email at INFO@STEPHANYSMITH. COM for all inquiries and business ventures.

improving my focus and launching new opportunities for others to

My message to any college student

collaborate, learn and grow from.

that may be doubting if they want to launch a business would be to

I have completed a few things

do it even if they are afraid, that

in apparel and writing and look

was something one of my mentors

forward to executing when it is

told me.

time.

Gifted Magazine

March 2022

59

GIFTED ACROSS GENERATIONS

Angella Wynn Hello, people all over the world, I am Angella Wynn 3X Bestselling Author and I wear many hats. First I am a child of the most high King Jesus, Minister of the Word, Wife, mother, Mimi and so much more.

To describe it ALL - a servant in the Kingdom Of God. My heart’s cry is for God’s people and that many will come to know Jesus Christ and His unfailing Love for them. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and it altered many areas of my life, but I refused to allow that to stop me. If I can be that light of hope for someone that may be faced with a challenge, I say here I am Lord send me.

I identified my purpose through seeking the face of God, yielding to His instructions with the intent to obey.

Initially, I pursued my purpose through a spoken word from my Pastor, David A. Cowan. He simply spoke these words ``Go for it- It’s your time”! I followed through

knowing what was next. Asking

Well, the next Bestseller will be

people for assistance and was

“Limited Access”. I penned through

never looked back.

turned away, but stayed persistent

some of the hills and valleys I

and God bought those Kingdom

walked through and had to close

Many challenges I faced initially

Connections on the scene.

the door on many hindrances.

even though many times I was scared. I jumped in the water and

were fear, doubt, and just not

Gifted Magazine

The inspiration for this next

March 2021

60

Gifted Magazine

March 2022

61 bestseller was talking and

to my vision, my WHY.

connecting with people that had

pursuing follow these nuggets: Be true to yourself, seek God in

no vision, no clear vision.. Your

If I could give my younger one

all you do, recognize when it’s

picture must be vivid, clear, and

piece of advice, it would be NOT

time to end some relationships

intense in our minds to get the

TO FRET YOURSELF.

and give yourself a HIGH FIVE for

desired drive for stepping into

every WYNN that you achieve. I

the plane of success. Vision is a

If I could give one tip to my

love you and my prayer for you is

“turner” of dreams into mentally

readers for finding their purpose

NOTHING BUT GOOD every day!

achievable feet.

it would be to find that trusted

The word of my pastor is ON TOP

Midwife that could help you birth

every day!

My motivation for being who I am

your vision.

and the person I am becoming is

https://www.books2wynn.com/

the Love of Christ, my family, and

To the Gifted Community on this

the many souls that are connected

journey of whatever you may be

Gifted Magazine

March 2021

62

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Gifted Magazine

March 2022